Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Many bird parents show their fledglings where to find food and how to
eat from feeders. Here are some clues to look and listen for at your feeders to determine if a bird is an adult or this year’s
offspring.

Having a Shadow

Watch
for one or more birds closely following or outright chasing a parent.
This often occurs in the first two weeks after leaving the nest.

Incessant Chatter
When hungry, many fledglings harass their parents with an incessant
"feed me." These can be single or double noted calls that sound like
squeaks or chip notes. Chickadees and goldfinches are notorious for
incessant feeding chatter.

Body Positioning
A fledgling may beg with its mouth open toward the parent. A juvenile
may also move its head side to side and flutter its wings to get its
parents' attention.

A Motley Crew
Fledglings are still growing out their feathers so they can appear very
mottled or slightly fuzzy. There are often spots or streaks on the head,
back, breast and/or flanks until the feathers are fully grown.

No “End” in Sight
Tail feathers are usually the last to fully grow. Young birds' tail
feathers can appear very short or it can look like a bird has no tail.